Letter carriers, shoppers help support food pantry

MIDDLEBORO -- Community generosity helps fills the shelves of the Sacred Heart Food Pantry, 53 Oak St.

The pantry was among the recipient of food collected by letter carriers during the annual “Stamp out Hunger” drive held May 9.

Another drive is scheduled May 23, 24 and 25 at the Shaw’s supermarket in Carver. Volunteers will staff a collection drive at the store.

The Sacred Heart Pantry is a partner agency of the Greater Boston Food Bank and about 85 percent of food comes from this resource and area enabling agencies. Shaw’s, Hannaford, Trucchi’s and Cumberland Farms for weekly donations of meats, backed goods and deli items.

Donations received from area groups and individuals make a serious difference, pantry staff report.

Various businesses conduct collections of non-perishables from their employees and customers on a regular basis. Sysco, the area distributor, often provides fresh produce.

“Whether you left a bag of food hanging on your mailbox last Saturday, or you stop by Shaw’s on the holiday weekend to purchase a few items, or you drop off something directly at the food pantry, we are eternally grateful,” said St. Vincent de Paul President Olinda Morrison.

“We are blessed to have the support of area residents to help those in need.”